malva plant
Rachel Fowler
Updated on August 09, 2026
Traditionally, these medicinal plants have been used to treat several infections and diseases, such as cold, burn, cough, tonsillitis, bronchitis, digestive problems, eczema, and cut wounds under different weather conditions [6].
Is Malva plant poisonous?
No, common mallow (Malva sylvestris) is not a toxic plant. Mallow is used in herbal medicine for its richness in mucilage, a soluble fiber with demulcent effect, which is not toxic, although it can have side effects.
Can you eat Malva?
All parts of this plant are edible. The leaves can be added to a salad, the fruit can be a substitute for capers and the flowers can be tossed into a salad. When cooked, the leaves create a mucus very similar to okra and can be used as a thickener to soups and stews.
Is the plant Malva perennial?
It is a perennial plant. The garden form is greater musk-mallow or hollyhock mallow (Malva alcea). This perennial plant reaches 2.9 ft in height.
How tall does Malva grow?
Open Pollinated. Perennial. A good back-of-the-border plant that grows to 150 cm (5′) tall.
How do you take care of a Malva plant?
The main thing malva zebrina requires is full sun. This plant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to truly thrive. It isn’t particularly picky about soil but will wilt if sunlight is not adequate. Too much or too little sun can kill your plant.
Are mallow plants safe for dogs?
It isn’t very likely that they will hurt your dogs.
Are hollyhocks and mallow the same?
Marsh mallow is an herbaceous perennial and grows to a height of 2-5 feet with soft, velvety, and irregularly serrated leaves. Its flowers form clusters at leaf axil. Whereas the herbaceous hollyhock is a biennial or short-lived perennial that becomes 4-8′ tall.
Is mallow good for dogs?
The answer is no. Though not all marshmallows are toxic to dogs, they certainly aren’t good for your canine companion. Made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, vanilla extract, and coated with either cornstarch or confectioners’ sugar, marshmallows contain very little, if any, nutritional value or health benefits.
What does Malva look like?
Malva neglecta, commonly called common mallow, is in the mallow family along with hollyhock and hibiscus. Growing 6-24 inches (15 to 61 cm.) tall, common mallow has pink or white hollyhock-like flowers atop long stems covered in circular, wavy-edged leaves. Its resemblance to hollyhock is undeniable.
What is a Malva plant in English?
Malva is a genus of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the family Malvaceae. It is one of several closely related genera in the family to bear the common English name mallow. The genus is widespread throughout the temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe.
Should I cut back Malva?
Its blooms are extremely attractive to bees. Grow Malva sylvestris ‘Brave Heart’ in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. When the first flowers are over, cut back the stems to encourage a second flush of blooms.
Does Malva like full sun?
Cultivation of the Malva Plant
It is imperative that for ideal growing, this plant should get at least six hours of full sunlight each day. The soil should be loamy and slightly acidic.
Are Malva Hardy?
Members of the Malva genus can be either hardy annuals or perennials. They grow from between 60 cm to 1.2 m in height and carry cupped flowers of pink, white or purple. to grow in the garden border and bloom from Summer through to the first months of autumn.
Does Malva need staking?
If planted in an exposed area, Malva may need staking and extra protection from strong winds. Pinch back the tips of new growth if you wish to produce a more compact plant. Once they are fully established, Malva will tolerate drought but will thrive if they are watered regularly.
Do you deadhead Malva?
Deadhead Lavatera mallow regularly during the flowering season. Cut off the flower heads as soon as the petals begin to wilt to prevent seed set and encourage further blooming.
Can you grow Malva from cuttings?
It is possible to propagate Malva by seed or alternatively by basal cuttings.